June 2012
Julie Wagner
As a student of Bikram Yoga, we come to class and are regularly
encouraged to focus on ourselves in the mirror, stay calm, work
hard, breathe… but then sometimes we take a quick peek around, over
to our left, over to our right, or even in front, or behind us. We
naturally want to check out other students. Wether it's
someone's beautiful standing bow, or someone we've never seen
before, we may get a bit distracted. Then we see a student who is
really calm, poised, and even elegant as she gracefully works hard
on her balance in standing head to knee. She seems to glide with
ease. That student is our June Student of the Month, Julie
Wagner.
After beating cancer 5 years ago, Julie knew she needed to add
something new into her life. Thanks to her friend, she found Bikram
Yoga, which has helped her in more ways than one. She has seen
tremendous benefits from her regular practice and one of the most
important lessons she's learned is to breathe, both inside, and
outside of the yoga room. Through her calm breathing she is able to
concentrate on her postures and stay calm and collected in her
practice.
So as you read Julie's story, it may actually make you think a
little bit more on your own practice. Do you hold your breath
sometimes? Gasp for air? Feel out of breath? Next time you come to
class try to focus more on your breath. As Bikram says, "Just
breathe, everything else is optional".
"Hi fellow sweaty hot messes! I'm Julie Wagner, or Julie W. as
I'm called in class. I've been practicing for almost 5 years. A
friend of mine had bugged me to no end to go to this "hot" yoga
class with her. I wasn't into exercising; especially sweating =
GROSS!, but I knew I needed to make a change in my life. I
had just beat cancer, and although I felt on top of the world I had
to start exercising regularly for my health.
I didn't know what to expect my first class at the Farmington
Hills studio and barely managed to stay in the room, but how I felt
that evening and the next day had me hooked. I even learned to
enjoy sweating, well, as much as one can.
Julie in Standing Bow Pulling
Pose
Bikram yoga means the world to me. I couldn't imagine my life
without it. When I started, I couldn't even touch my toes! It took
some time but I became more flexible, especially the more I
practiced. Kudos to all the yogis and yoginis that do the
challenges, that's not for me, but I do try to practice at least 3
days per week.
Julie in Balancing Stick
Pose
Bikram yoga really helped me to focus. I can be a little ADD at
times but the yoga room forces you to concentrate on one thing,
your BREATH! Being comfortable with being uncomfortable took some
time but to me it's crucial in the "torture chamber", as Bikram
calls it. Taking feelings as they come and just breathing until
they pass, easier said than done right?
Julie in Standing
Head to Knee Pose
I definitely have some favorite postures. Standing head-to-knee
comes to mind because I have worked hard on balancing. I find if
you don't put pressure on yourself it's much easier. If you
fall..So what? Also, any back bending postures, even the
dreaded Camel, it's strange but I kind of like that funny
light-headed feeling.
Julie in Full Locust
Pose
The hardest part about Bikram is just getting used to the room
and of course for me, getting there on time. I can't even begin to
tell you all the benefits. I truly believe it has played a major
part in my remission. I was really blessed to hear Bikram
himself speak last October. I waited in line eagerly to thank him
for saving my life. He smiled at me and said, "You saved your life,
I just showed you how." I will never forget that day. I
encourage everyone to meet Bikram if you can. He has an
incredible energy, a unique presence that stays with you.
Julie in Triangle
Pose
In the next few years, I hope to see my practice grow. I
would like to get stronger. I do not like the third part of
awkward pose, it's challenging for me so I know I need it most.
For the newbie's my advice is to drink plenty of water, take
breaks, try to stay in the room and of course challenge
yourself. You can do it! This will change your
life!"
~ Julie Wagner
Julie with Bikram in
2011
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